Chicken and Thai Basil Stir-Fry with Noodles

why make this recipe

Chicken and Thai basil stir-fry with noodles is a delicious and easy meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine right to your kitchen. The combination of minced chicken, fresh vegetables, and the sweet notes of Thai basil makes this dish not only tasty but also healthy. It comes together in just a short time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner when you are short on time but don’t want to compromise on flavor.

how to make Chicken and Thai basil stir-fry with noodles

To create this savory dish, you will need to prepare a flavorful sauce and then stir-fry the chicken and vegetables. The key is to have all your ingredients ready before you start, as the cooking process goes quickly.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp tamari or all-purpose soy sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp fish sauce (or more all-purpose soy sauce)
1 tbsp brown sugar
⅓ cup (80 ml) water
2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
½ tsp chicken stock powder (bouillon)
200 g (7 oz) vermicelli rice noodles (see note 1)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 spring onions (scallions), finely sliced
1 tbsp freshly grated garlic
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
500 g (1 lb 2 oz) minced (ground) chicken
1 bunch broccolini (tenderstem broccoli), cut into 2 cm (¾ inch) pieces
1 handful Thai basil (or regular basil), leaves picked, plus extra to serve
1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions:

Sauce: In a bowl, mix the tamari, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, brown sugar, water, cornflour, and chicken stock powder. Stir well and set aside.
Stir-fry: Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large frying pan or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the spring onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the minced chicken to the pan. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as you go.
Next, toss in the broccolini and stir well. Pour in the sauce you prepared earlier. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
Finally, add the cooked noodles and Thai basil. Combine everything well, cooking for another minute.

how to serve Chicken and Thai basil stir-fry with noodles

Serve this wonderful chicken and Thai basil stir-fry in bowls. Garnish with extra Thai basil leaves and lime wedges on the side for a fresh touch. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.

how to store Chicken and Thai basil stir-fry with noodles

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot.

tips to make Chicken and Thai basil stir-fry with noodles

Make sure not to overcook the broccolini to keep its vibrant green color and crunchiness.
Adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your taste, especially if you prefer a sweeter stir-fry.
If you don’t have Thai basil, regular basil works as a good substitute but won’t have the same unique flavor.

variation

Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp if you’re looking for a different protein option. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to suit your preferences.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other types of noodles?
A: Yes, you can use other noodles like egg noodles or whole wheat noodles. Just cook them according to package directions.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: This recipe is not spicy, but you can add red chili flakes if you like some heat.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time and cook everything just before serving for the best taste.